It must have been getting cold without his sidekick by his side but Ant & Dec are to finally be reunited in the jungle this year.
Ant McPartlin has suffered a much-publicised battle with depression and substance addiction, and it was reported he might have missed the next series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
But the beloved Geordie duo will both be on the plane to Australia alongside the celebs. ITV head honcho Kevin Lygo confirmed this morning at the Edinburgh International Film & TV Festival that the nation's most popular presenting team will be back in around two months, telling reporters: "Ant is doing really well and we are expecting him to return for I'm a Celebrity."
Credit: PA
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Ant, 41, has been struggling with painkiller addictions that stem from a knee injury incurred two years ago but he will finish rehab in the coming weeks and then jet off Down Under when the series begins. Dec was adamant beforehand that he would not present the show without the PJ to his Duncan, and he will be delighted to have his mate back with him.
ITV bosses had previously floated the idea that Holly Willoughby would step in for Ant, but they now seem pleased to have their most popular pairing back available.
Lygo explained the importance of recurring favourites such as I'm A Celebrity and Britain's Got Talent, both presented by Ant & Dec, saying: "We don't often talk about shows that have been on for a long time but they are vitally important to ITV and we have to put a lot resource and effort and energy into keeping these shows fresh and good."
"There have been no new entertainment shows in last 10 years that have taken the world by storm," he added.
Ant and his wife, Lisa; Credit: PA Images
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Ant's addiction problems stemmed from a 2015 knee operation and subsequent reliance on painkillers and alcohol. He was also reported to be depressed due to his wife, Lisa, being unable to conceive a child.
When he was admitted to rehab in June, it came as a shock even to his wife and closest friend. Ant was unable to communicate with the outside world for a period of time, which included being cut off from Lisa and Dec.
Ant and Dec are next door neighbours in West London and are thought to share every aspect of their lives with each other. They have been on stage professionally since getting their start on teen drama Byker Grove in the late 1980s, garnering countless awards in their 25+ years at the top.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Ant McPartlin, I'm A Celebrity, Ant and Dec